Shameless - Representation (Sexuality and Regional Identity)

There are many different ways how sexuality and regional identity are represented in the opening of Shameless, series one, episode one. Areas include stereotypes, mise on scene, music and camera work.

Firstly, the stereotypes of a gay man would be: camp, feminine, wear make-up, 'cissies', high pitched voice, over the top, drama queens, dress well (for example Gok Wan), cry alot, clean and wear fake tan. However, in the first part of Shameless we learn that the character Ian is gay and Ian does not have any of stereotypical features of a gay man.

Stereotypes of people from 'up North' include: poor, 'common', rough,working class, hooligans, uneducated, strong accent, drunken and use drug. Unlike the gay stereotypes the stereotypes of people from 'up North' are more true to Shameless. For example, Frank Gallagar gets brought in by the police drunk and because of his drunkness he hass wet himself. Another example is that when Fiona and her friend are not allowed back into the club they both swear at the security guard, and this can be portrayed as common.